There is more than freshly-minted gold and silver at Gainesville Coins. We also receive precious metal coins and bars from all over the world, some over 100 years old! We purchase these items from collectors, estates, jewelry and coin shops, and others - what is called the "secondary market."

Sometimes when I'm nosing around in our vaults or passing the receiving desk, I see something that catches my eye. I will be sharing these items in this new column, "The Coin Adventurer Corner." There's no telling what I might dig up!

Being a huge history fan, I knew immediately that I would have to feature today's coin. This is the 1994 proof gold 50 pence coin from the Royal Mint, commemorating the 50th anniversary of D-Day. Designed by John Mills, who saw the thousands of aircraft heading for Normandy on that momentous day, this 22k gold coin shows the paratroopers and airborne troops that spearheaded the liberation of France heading for their rendezvous with destiny. Below, the seas are filled with landing craft taking the main invasion force to the beaches.

This coin comes in the original purple Royal Mint presentation case, with numbered certificate of authenticity. Limited to only 1,877 minted, this beautiful 26.32 gram proof gold coin is the perfect gift for that special active or retired military person, or WWII history buff.